Association president Ken Wurtz said the consistent rain had given curator Shayne Ried no hope of preparing the grasscourts in time for the start of the season on Saturday.

“It’s the wettest I have seen it in my 14 years as president,” Wurtz said.

“At this stage we will play the first two rounds on hard courts and I guess we will see what happens with the weather after that.

“If the rain continues, we will obviously be off the grass for a bit longer.”

Officials were forced to play the opening three rounds of pennant on hard courts in 1986.

Several opening round matches have also been shifted from the grasscourts in recent seasons.

Section one and two men and women’s matches will be scattered around Albury on Saturday.

Officials have been pleased with the response to the summer competition this season with 59 teams – six more than last year- registering.

In section one men, Thurgoona Jets, led by Garth Quast and Brock Dixon, take on St Patricks/Diggerville with Issac Dallinger and Trey Murphy set to play leading roles.

Forrest Hill Eagles are up against Galahs with Wodonga Bulldogs to meet Forrest Hill Blues in Wodonga.

In section two, Albury play Forrest Hill Blues, Wodonga Bushrangers are at home to Forrest Hill Wombats, SPD come up against Forrest Hill Diggers and Thurgoona Sharks play reigning premier Sacred Heart.

Wodonga teams, Larrikins and Dodgers, go head-to-head in section one ladies while the two Thurgoona sides, Jade and Slammers, face off.

A new combined team, Tags – Thurgoona and Glenly St Patrick’s – open up against Wodonga Tigers, with Forrest Hill having the bye.

Meanwhile, Tuesday ladies hit off next week with 17 teams across three sections taking part.

A Saturday morning pennant for players aged seven to 14 of all standards will start at grasscourts, with registrations from 9.15am, on October 15.

Albury host the Baker Shield on October 16.

This is followed by the first major event, the Bruce Cup, for primary school children played from October 23 to 29.

Albury backs up again to host the first of the Sportspower series of tournaments on Sunday, October 30, followed by Yarrawonga on November 6.

The North East Veterans Tennis Group has the first of its tournaments at Yarrawonga on Sunday.

The cost is $25 with morning tea from 10am and play starting at 10.30am.

Inquiries can be made on (03) 5744 2059.